- NEW: Poland's sports minister says the violence appalls her, but it won't spoil the event
- UEFA imposes a suspended penalty on Russia over disorder by its fans Friday
- More than 150 Poles and more than 20 Russians are among 184 people detained by police
- Poland is co-hosting the Euro 2012 soccer tournament with Ukraine
Warsaw, Poland (CNN) -- European football's governing body took a tough line against soccer-related disorder Wednesday, as it imposed a penalty on Russia for "improper conduct" by its fans at the Euro 2012 tournament.
The ruling by UEFA relates to the opening game of the tournament in Wroclaw, Poland, on Friday.
Its officials are still considering what action to take over allegations of racist abuse by Russian fans at the same game, and violence before and after a Euro 2012 game in Warsaw on Tuesday.
Police detained 184 people after clashes broke out in the Polish capital before and after the Poland-Russia game, which ended in a 1-1 draw.
Interior Minister Jacek Cichocki told reporters that more arrests could come. "Police officers continue to watch recordings from CCTV and police cameras to identify other hooligans who disturbed public order," he said.
Polish and Russian football fans clash in Warsaw, Poland, on Tuesday ahead of the match between Poland and Russia at the Euro 2012 championships.
Polish police stand at one of the entrances to the pitch before the Group A preliminary round match.
A Polish journalist, second right, is beaten by football fans in Warsaw.
An injured polish soccer fan lies on the ground.
Polish supporters challenge Russian football fans during clashes.
Polish and Russian fans clash during a march of Russian supporters to the National Stadium in Warsaw.
A Polish soccer fan lies on the ground after clashing with Russian supporters.
Polish riot police stand guard after the group A match between Poland and Russia.
Polish and Russian soccer fans fight before the match between Russia and Poland.
Polish and Russian soccer fans clash outside of the National Stadium in Warsaw.
Polish riot police stand guard during clashes with soccer fans in front of the National Stadium before the match between Poland and Russia.
A Polish fan is arrested by police before the Russia-Poland match.
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Euro 2012: Russia and Poland fans clash in Warsaw
Euro 2012 kicks off on Friday in Warsaw with a match between co-hosts Poland and 2004 champions Greece.
Italy captain Gianluigi Buffon might have been playing at Euro 2012 in front of his home fans if not for the match-fixing scandal that erupted before the tournament hosts were named in 2007.
Instead the joint bid from Ukraine and Poland, which had been third favorite out of three candidates, was awarded the event. Here former Ukrainian President Victor Yushchenko (R) exchanges a signed trade agreement with his Polish counterpart Lech Kaczynski in Warsaw.
Yushchenko and Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko -- seen here with Polish counterpart Donald Tusk (R) -- had come to power on the back of Ukraine's Orange Revolution.
Yushchenko survived an alleged poisoning attempt during the uprising, but lost out to Victor Yanukovych in the 2010 elections.
Tymoshenko is currently in prison, having been found guilty of abuse of power when in office. Her treatment since then has led to several European political leaders saying they will boycott Euro 2012.
The tournament has long been a difficult issue for European football's ruling body UEFA. Its president Michel Platini warned as early as 2008 that the hosts had much work to complete.
Stadiums such as this one in the Ukrainian city of Lviv had to be built from scratch, and there were also major concerns about both countries' infrastructure.
However, the preparations have been completed and Kiev's Olympic stadium will host the final on July 1.
Fears have been raised about visiting supporters' safety after reports highlighting brutality by Ukrainian police and violence by racist fans in both host nations.
Spanish supporters hope the 2010 World Cup winners can make history by defending their 2008 European title and become the first to win three successive major championships.
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Euro 2012: A complicated adventure
Czech Republic were solid in a kind qualifying group, finishing second to reigning champions Spain after conceding just eight goals in eight games. The Euro 1996 finalists' problems are in attack, where 30-year-old striker Milan Baros will be expected to provide a cutting edge.
Greece shocked the whole of Europe eight years ago, emerging from nowhere to be crowned Euro 2004 winners. One of the survivors of that team is midfielder Giorgos Karagounis, whose experience will be key if Greece are to reach the quarterfinals.
Co-hosts Poland boast one of Europe's most in-form strikers in the shape of Robert Lewandoski. The 23-year-old had a fine season with German champions Borussia Dortmund and he will be Poland's main goal threat in Group A.
The surprise inclusion in the Russia squad was uncapped CSKA Moscow defender Kirill Nababkin(left). Under Guus Hiddink in 2008, Russia enjoyed a run to the semifinals in Austria and Switzerland. Hiddink's compatriot Dick Advocaat will be hoping for a similar performance this year.
The star of the Denmark squad is young playmaker Christian Eriksen. The Ajax midfielder could earn a move to one of Europe's big clubs with an impressive showing in Poland and Ukraine.
Germany go into Euro 2012 with a squad full of proven international performers and as one of the favorites to lift the trophy. Coach Joachim Low's main concern will be midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger, who is battling to be fit for Germany's first match against Portugal on June 9.
Netherland's Robin van Persie enters the four-yearly tournament off the back of a prolific season with Arsenal. In addition to Van Persie's firepower, the Euro 1988 winners also have Schalke hitman Klaas-Jan Huntelaar.
Portugal have exciting talents such as Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani of Manchester United in wide positions, but Paulo Bento's team arguably lack a true goalscorer.
Croatia impressed many spectators with their performances at Euro 2008, before being eliminated in the quarterfinals by Turkey. Luka Modric was their stand-out performer four years ago, and the pressure will be on the midfelder once again in June.
Italy's preparations for Euro 2012 might have been hit by a recent match-fixing investigation, but in striker Mario Balotelli, who has been handed the No. 9 shirt, the Azzurri have a player who could, if he's in the right mood, be the star of the tournament.
Giovanni Trapattoni's Ireland qualified for Euro 2012 courtesy of a strong defence. In a group which includes multiple attacking threats, Richard Dunne will be key to Ireland's chances of reaching the quarterfinals.
An injury to David Villa has opened the door for Fernando Torres to spearhead reigning champions Spain's challenge. Can the Chelsea striker put a difficult couple of years behind him and produce another European Championship-winning goal?
England will be without striker Wayne Rooney for the first two matches of the tournament due to suspension. Can new coach Roy Hodgson adapt and navigate his team out of a tricky group?
Striker Olivier Giroud enjoyed an impressive campaign in the French Ligue 1, playing a key part of Montpellier's championship-winning team. Can the 25-year-old usurp Real Madrid's Karim Benzema as Laurent Blanc's first-choice striker?
Sweden's challenge will be led by the unpredictable talents of AC Milan's Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Despite world-class performances at club level, the striker has so far failed to convince on the international stage.
Ukraine legend Andriy Shevchenko (left) will be taking part in his final international tournament and the former AC Milan striker will be hoping to go out with a bang in front of his home fans.
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Euro 2012: Key players
Philipp Lahm of Germany controls the ball during the Group B match between Netherlands and Germany on Wednesday, June 13. Euro 2012, bringing together 16 of Europe's best national football teams, began Friday in Poland and Ukraine. See the action as it unfolds here.
John Heitinga of the Netherlands and Sami Khedira of Germany compete for the ball during the Group B match between Netherlands and Germany.
Manuel Neuer of Germany celebrates after Mario Gomez scored the opening goal against the Netherlands.
John Heitinga of the Netherlands and Mario Gomez of Germany fight for the ball.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal clashes with Simon Kjær of Denmark during the Group B match between Portugal and Denmark.
Pepe of Portugal, left, celebrates scores the team's first goal against Denmark.
Nicklas Bendtner of Denmark beats Pepe of Portugal to head in Denmark's second goal.
Silvestre Varela of Portugal celebrates scoring their third goal against Denmark with Joao Moutinho of Portugal.
Portugal fans rally before the Group B match against Denmark in Lviv, Ukraine.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal gestures during the match against Denmark.
Pepe celebrates after Helder Postiga of Portugal scored the second goal against Denmark.
Dennis Rommedahl of Denmark fights for possession with Fabio Coentrao of Portugal.
Denmark's Simon Kjær battles for a header against Helder Postiga of Portugal on Wednesday.
Jakub Blaszczykowski of Poland celebrates after scoring Poland's equalizer in the 1-1 draw with Russia in Warsaw, Poland, on Tuesday, June 12.
Poland captain Blaszczykowski scored in the 57th minute as the co-hosts denied Russia the satisfaction of becoming the first team to qualify for the quarterfinals, Tueday.
Polish fans cheer during the group A match between Poland and Russia, Tuesday.
Roman Shirokov of Russia and Dariusz Dudka of Poland vie for control of the ball during their match, Tuesday.
Aleksandr Kerzhakov of Russia and Marcin Wasilewski of Poland jump to avoid colliding with Poland's goalkeeper, Grzegorz Sandomiersk.
A Poland fan looks thoughtful ahead of the team's match against Russia, Tuesday.
Petr Jiracek of the Czech Republic scores the opening goal against Greece in Wroclaw, Poland, on Tuesday, June 12.
Greece's Dimitris Salpigidis reacts during Tuesday's match. His team went on to lose 2-1 to the Czech Republic.
The Czech Republic's Vaclav Pilar, right, scores the second goal of the match against Greece.
Fans cheer for Greece during its Group A match against the Czech Republic on Tuesday.
Pilar of the Czech Republic celebrates scoring the team's second goal against Greece.
A fan cheers during the Greece-Czech Republic match Tuesday at the Municipal Stadium in Wroclaw.
Jiracek scores the Czech Republic's opening goal against Greece and Jose Holebas on Tuesday.
Andriy Shevchenko of Ukraine reacts to scoring the team's second goal during the Group D match against Sweden in Kiev, Ukraine, on Monday, June 11.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic celebrates scoring Sweden's first goal against Ukraine.
Ukraine's Andriy Voronin vies with Swedish defender Andreas Granqvist.
A Swedish fan soaks up the atmosphere ahead of Monday's match against Ukraine.
Yevhen Selin of Ukraine and Zlatan Ibrahimovic of Sweden battle for the ball.
Ukraine's Anatoliy Tymoshchuk tackles Kim Kallstrom of Sweden.
Goalkeeper Joe Hart of England blocks Samir Nasri of France during the Group D match in Donetsk, Ukraine, Monday, June11.
Players compete for control of the ball during the England-France match on Monday.
Scott Parker of England fights for possession with Franck Ribery and Karim Benzema of France.
Joleon Lescott of England scores during the first half of the match against France.
Steven Gerrard of England celebrates after Joleon Lescott's goal against France.
Samir Nasri of France celebrates his goal against England.
Mathieu Debuchy of France flies through the air as he battles England's Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
A France fan shows her colors during the game against England.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain of England and Adil Rami of France fight for possession.
England fans wearing Queen Elizabeth II masks watch the match against France on Monday.
Kevin Doyle of Ireland and Vedran Corluka of Croatia battle for the ball in Poznan, Poland, on Sunday, June 10.
Mario Mandzukic of Croatia celebrates after scoring the team's third goal against Ireland on Sunday.
Goalkeeper Shay Given of Ireland fails to stop Croatia's Mario Mandzukic from scoring.
Ireland's Jonathan Walters competes with Croatia's Vedran Corluka.
Croatia fans ignite flares during Sunday's match against Ireland.
Mario Mandzukic celebrates after scoring the opening goal for Croatia during the match against Ireland.
Ireland's Sean St Ledger ties up the game against Croatia.
Ireland fans enjoy the atmosphere before Sunday's match against Croatia.
Gordon Schildenfeld of Croatia clashes with Kevin Doyle of Ireland.
Sergio Ramos of Spain and Mario Balotelli of Italy compete for the ball duing their match in Gdansk, Poland, Sunday, June 10.
Italy's Mario Balotelli takes control of the ball in Sunday's match against Spain.
Italy's Gianluigi Buffon gestures duriing the match against Spain.
Italy's Mario Balotelli looks up after a fall during the Spain-Italy match.
Antonio Di Natale celebrates after scoring Italy's first goal against Spain. Spain was held to a 1-1 draw.
Italy's Antonio Di Natale kicks the ball past goalkeeper Iker Casillas of Spain.
Spanish fans get into the mood ahead of Sunday's match against Italy.
An Italy fan cheers before Sunday's match against Spain.
Daniele De Rossi of Italy tackles Cesc Fabregas of Spain.
Thiago Motta of Italy takes a fall while playing against Spain on Sunday.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal and Sami Khedira of Germany fight for the ball in a match on Saturday, June 9.
Mario Gomez celebrates Germany's first goal during the match against Portugal.
Lukas Podolski of Germany and Raul Meireles of Portugal battle for the ball.
Lukas Podolski of Germany in action during the Germany-Portugal match.
Bastian Schweinsteiger of Germany holds off a challenge from Joao Moutinho of Portugal.
Michael Krohn-Dehli of Denmark scores the team's first goal past Maarten Stekelenburg of the Netherlands during a Group B match Saturday.
A Danish fan mugs before the match between the Netherlands and Denmark.
Wesley Sneijder of the Netherlands heads the ball during the match against Denmark.
Ibrahim Afellay of the Netherlands goes airborne as Daniel Agger of Denmark defends.
Robin van Persie of the Netherlands misses a chance at goal against Denmark.
Dutch fans look dejected at the final whistle during the Netherlands-Denmark match.
Goalkeeper Stephan Andersen of Denmark celebrates with teammate Lars Jacobsen during the match against the Netherlands.
Arjen Robben lies dejected on the pitch after the Netherlands' loss to Denmark on Saturday.
Alan Dzagoev of Russia scores against Czech Republic on Friday, June 8.
Alan Dzagoev of Russia celebrates scoring the team's third goal against Czech Republic.
Roman Shirokov of Russia scores the team's second goal past Petr Cech of Czech Republic.
Night settles over the Russia-Czech Republic match.
Konstantin Zyryanov of Russia and Jan Rezek of Czech Republic collide.
Wojciech Szczesny of Poland fouls Dimitris Salpigidis of Greece for a penalty.
Dimitris Salpigidis and Georgios Samaras of Greece celebrate their first goal against Poland.
Lukasz Piszczek of Poland and Georgios Samaras of Greece battle for the ball during the opening match.
Robert Lewandowski of Poland celebrates scoring the opening goal during the match against Greece.
Polish fans cheer before the match between Poland and Greece.
Players warm up before the match between Poland and Greece.
A young woman blows a kiss as she takes part in a parade before the opening match.
Police officers stand in front of a poster showing a giant ball.
Polish fans hold up banners before the Euro 2012 match between Poland and Greece.
Fans of Poland's national soccer team wave from a train window.
Greek and Polish fans cheer for their teams before the match.
Mascots Slavko, left, and Slavek, right, pose before the match between Poland and Greece.
Czech Republic fans cheer a few hours before the opening match.
Fans attend the Dutch team's training session.
German and Portugese fans show off their nations' flags.
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Euro 2012: The best photos
The suspended six-point deduction imposed on Russia by UEFA will apply to the qualifying campaign for the Euro 2016 tournament, rather than the current one.
Russia's national football body was also fined 120,000 euros ($ 150,000), UEFA said. It has three days to appeal the decision.
The penalty is in response to "crowd disturbances, the setting off and throwing of fireworks and the display of illicit banners," UEFA said.
"The ruling does not take into account the alleged racist abuse of Czech defender Theodor Gebre Selassie by Russia fans during the same game or incidents of crowd violence before the game against Poland on Monday. Both incidents are currently being investigated by UEFA and could result in further penalties being handed out."
Russian football expert James Appell told CNN the penalty showed UEFA was taking Russian fans' behavior "very, very seriously."
UEFA earlier condemned what it called "isolated incidents" before and after Tuesday's game in Warsaw "when some groups of known troublemakers pelted the police with missiles and attacked fans irrespective of the team they were supporting."
The body said its focus was to ensure that genuine football fans were able to enjoy the games peacefully, while isolating the handful who wanted to cause trouble. It is determined that the "overwhelmingly peaceful and festive atmosphere" that has so far prevailed will continue through the final on July 1, it said Wednesday.
Cichocki said Tuesday's violence had been the biggest public order challenge so far of the tournament -- which Poland is co-hosting with Ukraine -- but he praised police efforts.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk dismissed those who tried to disrupt the match as "fools," according to public broadcaster Polish Radio's press agency.
Law enforcement officials will be ruthless in suppressing the kind of "limited" trouble seen so far, he is quoted as saying.
Joanna Mucha, Poland's sports minister, told reporters she was appalled by the violence in Warsaw.
"I feel ashamed for those who came not to enjoy sport, but to cause trouble," she said. "They are hooligans, they aren't even fans -- certainly not fans wanting to support Poland. They will face charges and we will not let them ruin this celebration for us."
Russian supporters had organized a march through Warsaw before the match Tuesday evening to mark Russia's June 12 national day.
Euro 2012 soccer live blog on CNN.com
Former Polish striker condemns racismThe disorder broke out as about 5,000 Russian fans reached Warsaw's Poniatowski Bridge, on their way to the National Stadium, the Interior Ministry said in a statement, with "hooligans" from both sides seeking to start a fight.
More than 5,600 police officers were on duty in Warsaw, and riot police took "decisive" action to stop the violence from escalating, it said. Ten police officers were injured in the violence and received medical treatment.
The 184 suspects detained include more than 150 Poles, more than 20 Russians, a Hungarian, a Spaniard and a citizen of Algeria, the statement said. Some of those arrested had dangerous objects with them, including brass knuckles and clubs, as well as mouth guards.
Those responsible for violence can expect swift justice, the Interior Ministry statement said.
"The hooligans will be sentenced by the end of the week. In the case of foreigners involved in the incidents, speeded-up penal proceedings will be instituted," it said.
Those from outside the European Union's Schengen passport-free area will be deported and will receive a ban on entry to the European Union, the statement said. Their visas will also be withdrawn.
Polish journalist Michal Pol, who was there when the clashes on the bridge broke out, told CNN that the Russian supporters had been moving peacefully toward the stadium when "very aggressive Polish hooligans" provoked them.
Then, out of the middle of the Russian fans, came a number of "hooded and very well trained young guys who knew exactly who they wanted to fight" among the Poles, he said.
Russian media focused on the role of Polish fans and police in their reports Wednesday.
A headline on state news agency Itar-Tass reads, "Russian Football Union hopes Polish police will defend guests."
The president of the Russian Football Union, Sergei Fursenko, is quoted as saying that "well-trained groups attacked the Russian fans," who he says were behaving perfectly correctly and should have been protected by Polish authorities.
However, Appell, the football analyst, said Russia has a poor track record when it comes to soccer-related violence.
Questions should be asked about why 5,000 of its fans were allowed to march through Warsaw in what could be considered a provocative act, given the long and troubled history between Russia and Poland, he said.
However, when Russia hosts the 2018 World Cup, it is likely to organize it to a "micro level," he said, in order to avoid similar issues with fan violence.
Russian state-run broadcaster RT reported that Polish police fired warning shots and used water cannons and tear gas as they sought to break up the clashes in Warsaw.
Mikolaj Piotrowski, director of communications for Poland 2012, told CNN he felt "anger and shame" that a small group of "hooligans" were trying to spoil the tournament for Poland's 37 million citizens and their visitors.
"I was really, really angry but we must be aware of the scale -- almost 200 persons were taken under custody by Polish police and at the same time, almost 200,000 people were having fun here in Warsaw," he said.
He defended the policing of the game, saying officers did a good job in closing down the disorder when it kicked off, and said Poland would continue its "zero tolerance" policy on fan violence through Euro 2012 and beyond.
Everyone is determined there will be no repeat of the violence seen Tuesday, he said.
Authorities stress that the vast majority of football fans in Ukraine and Poland have supported their sides peacefully.
In the course of Tuesday, about 150,000 fans visited the Warsaw "fan zone," an area away from the stadium where games are shown on big screens for those without tickets, Poland's Interior Ministry said.
Tens of thousands of more fans watched the Greece-Czech Republic game, played in Wroclaw, from that city's stadium and fan zone, it said.
Altogether, more than a million supporters have flocked to stadiums and fan zones in Poland since Euro 2012 kicked off Friday, it said.
However, Russian officials had already called for better behavior from the country's supporters after the unrest during Friday's opening 4-1 win against the Czech Republic team.
"Those who choose the sports arena for the declaration of their personal political and other positions have no place in the stands," read a statement on the Russian Football Union's website Monday.
"The Russian Football Union and the national team of Russia kindly request all the fans of these provocative actions to confront bullies and to cooperate fully with the organizers of the match in matters of security.
"We appeal to all fans who are in Poland. Remember that you represent your country. Respect yourself, your home and your team."
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